Rhinos at Recess
by Mary Pope Osborne
Grades 1-4; Genre-Fantasy; GRL N; AR pts. 1.0
The magic tree house transports Jack and Annie to South Africa where they must protect a majestic rhino from poachers.
Comprehension Questions
Chapter 1
- Why does Annie assume they are traveling to Africa? She saw a bird from Africa on a tree when she and Jack ran home to pick up her project during recess; the poem Morgan left them includes a description of Africa p.5
Chapter 2
- Describe a game reserve. Specific areas in Africa that protect animals from danger; rangers work in the reserve to protect the animals p.21
Chapter 3
- Why did it matter that a chopper was at the west gate of the reserve? Poachers travel in helicopters and could be in the chopper p.30
Chapter 4
- Why did Speedy run to the trees? He was scared p.38
Chapter 5
- Describe a rhinoceros. Very large animal with wrinkled dark gray skin, two large horns on its face p.42
- How did Jack and Annie stay safe from the rhino? They climbed a tree; they stayed quiet so the rhino couldn’t hear them p.41
- Predict what you think “the giant” and “them” is in the poem? Listen to your child’s answer p.45
Chapter 6
- Summarize the plan Annie came up with to save Rosie and her calf from the poachers. To call Rosie and get her to chase them to the tree they were hiding in, hoping her baby will follow; the leaves from the tree will hide the rhinos p.52
Chapter 7
- Were you correct in your prediction of what the giant is? Listen to your child’s answer p.62
- What is the paper tree? An ancestral tree on the brochure p.62
Chapter 8
- Describe what happened when Jack and Annie called for help. A pre-historic rhino (Rosie’s ancestor) came from the past and chased the poachers away p.65
Chapter 9
- Why did Jack get emotional in this chapter? He felt a love and connection for the rhino p.79
Chapter 10
- Why did Annie want everyone to listen to her animal presentation? She’s going to teach them about rhinos, pre-historic and present day, and that they might disappear from the earth. She’ll tell them that rangers are trying to protect them and the sad, the good and the bad things p.85
- What did you like about this story? Listen to your child’s answer